Prodefence at the Regional Conference of Intelligence Analysts – Addressing Financial Fraud and Disinformation in the Age of AI

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Information analysis in criminal investigations remains a cornerstone of modern law enforcement, enabling authorities to connect fragmented data points into actionable intelligence. Whether dealing with cybercrime, homicides, robberies, or financial fraud, this discipline plays a pivotal role in identifying suspects, understanding criminal patterns, and ensuring operational efficiency.

In this context, Alexandru Anghelus, CEO of Prodefence and a leading cybersecurity expert, had the honor of participating in the Regional Conference of Intelligence Analysts, held in Iași and organized by the Territorial Intelligence Analysis Unit, in partnership with the Romanian General Police Inspectorate and the Central Intelligence Analysis Unit.

A Strategic Perspective on Cybercrime and Disinformation

During the conference, Mr. Anghelus delivered a keynote presentation on:

“Financial Fraud – Fake Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms and Fake News – The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Disseminating False Information.”

This session explored:

  • How fraudulent platforms operate to deceive users in the cryptocurrency ecosystem;
  • The techniques used to spread disinformation, especially through digital channels;
  • The dual role of artificial intelligence—both as a tool used by threat actors and as a defense mechanism in combating fake news and financial scams.

The presentation emphasized the growing convergence between cybercrime and traditional criminal activities, underscoring the need for enhanced capabilities in both digital forensics and intelligence analysis.

Prodefence’s Commitment to Security and Intelligence Collaboration

As a recognized member and contributor within CYSCOE – Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence, Prodefence brings its advanced expertise in cyber threat intelligence, digital investigations, and AI-driven analysis to support national and regional security efforts.

The conference reinforced the critical importance of inter-institutional collaboration and public-private partnerships. Prodefence advocates for a united front in strengthening Romania’s security posture—one that integrates innovation, shared intelligence, and operational agility.

Prodefence at the “BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity” Conference – Contributing to Cybercrime Investigations in a Time of Conflict

On 21–22 November 2024, the Maritime University of Constanta hosted the first edition of the BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity conference series, titled “Countering Cybercrime Threats in the Current Context of the Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.” Organized by the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (MARCYSCOE), in partnership with major Romanian universities, the event brought together experts in cybersecurity, legal professionals, and researchers to address pressing challenges in cybercrime response during armed conflicts.

The conference focused on the legal and operational complexities of investigating cybercrimes in conflict zones, as the digital battlefield increasingly intersects with traditional warfare. It emphasized the urgent need for harmonized legal frameworks capable of supporting cybercrime investigations—especially against critical infrastructure—amid evolving hybrid threats.

Prodefence’s Strategic Role

Prodefence, a key player in Romania’s cybersecurity ecosystem, was prominently represented at the event by its CEO, Alexandru Anghelus, who also serves as President of CYSCOE – the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence. Prodefence is a founding and driving force within CYSCOE, contributing advanced technical capabilities and strategic insights to the cluster’s mission.

At the conference, Alexandru Anghelus delivered a keynote focused on a real-world cybercrime case involving financial fraud through data theft via malware. His presentation broke down the technical attack vectors, data exfiltration mechanisms, and the investigative procedures employed to uncover and analyze the incident. This exemplified Prodefence’s deep expertise in cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response.

Furthermore, Mr. Anghelus chaired a closed-door roundtable with representatives from law enforcement and academia specializing in cybercrime. The discussions explored:

  • innovative investigative methods for cyber incidents;
  • institutional cooperation models;
  • the need for robust education and training pipelines in digital forensics and cyber law.

A Trusted Name in Cybersecurity

Prodefence stands out as a trusted partner for public institutions and private entities seeking excellence in cybersecurity operations, digital investigations, and strategic advisory. Through its leadership in CYSCOE and direct involvement in high-impact events like BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity, Prodefence reinforces its commitment to securing digital borders and supporting cross-sector collaboration in the face of modern cyber threats.

Prodefence CEO Contributes to Moldova’s Cybersecurity Capacity Building Through E-Governance Academy Workshop

Alexandru Anghelus, CEO of Prodefence and President of the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence (CYSCOE), recently participated as a cybersecurity expert in a high-level workshop organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, under the Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance initiative.

The event, supported by the E-Governance Academy (EGA), focused on advancing Moldova’s national cyber resilience and strengthening protection for its critical digital infrastructures. The workshop served as a collaborative platform for government officials, technical experts, and international advisors to align on best practices in cybersecurity implementation and capacity development.

Strategic Impact and Collaboration

Mr. Anghelus, in his role as an expert affiliated with EGA, contributed to discussions on operational security frameworks, threat response strategies, and institutional preparedness. His engagement builds upon Prodefence’s wider mission of supporting regional cybersecurity through technical expertise and public-private cooperation.

Although Prodefence and CYSCOE were not directly involved in the event, Mr. Anghelus’ participation reflects the level of recognition and trust placed in Romanian cybersecurity professionals on the international stage.

Acknowledgements

Special appreciation is extended to:

  • Cătălina Plinschi, Secretary of State for Digitalization, for her strategic leadership;
  • Mihai Lupașcu, Director of the Moldovan Cybersecurity Agency, for his commitment to advancing national digital security.

Gratitude is also due to fellow experts Elsa Neeme, Epp Maaten, and Vitalie Varaniță for their professionalism and constructive collaboration throughout the workshop.

“This initiative represents a meaningful step in building a secure digital future for Moldova. I was honored to contribute alongside a team of forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the region’s cybersecurity landscape.”
— Alexandru Anghelus

Prodefence congratulates all stakeholders involved in this impactful effort to strengthen cybersecurity at the national level and reaffirms its commitment to contributing knowledge and leadership wherever it is most needed.

#CyberSecurity #Prodefence #EGA #DigitalResilience #Moldova #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberCapacityBuilding #InternationalCollaboration #CYSCOE #CyberLeadership #CyberExpertise #PublicPrivatePartnerships

Prodefence Representing CYSCOE at the Romanian Tourism Fair – Unveiling Cyber Threats in the Travel Sector

Prodefence, as a strategic member of the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence (CYSCOE), proudly represented the cluster at the Cybersecurity Workshop for Travel Agencies, held during the Romanian Tourism Fair at RomExpo.

Alexandru Anghelus, CEO of Prodefence and President of CYSCOE, delivered an expert presentation focused on a real-life fraud incident caused by a stealer-type malware attack. This malware harvested login credentials from various platforms, enabling cybercriminals to compromise a travel agency’s internal systems and carry out unauthorized financial transactions.

“The scenario revealed how cybercriminals leverage credential-stealing malware to infiltrate business systems and commit fraud. The case underscores the critical need for cybersecurity education and incident preparedness in the tourism industry.”
— Alexandru Anghelus, CEO, Prodefence / President, CYSCOE

🎤 Workshop Contributors:

  • Prof. Gabriel Raicu and Prof. Remus Zăgan – Constanta Maritime University
  • Alexandru Anghelus – Representing CYSCOE, CEO of Prodefence
  • Dr. Alexandru Bobe – CiTyINNOHub
  • Fraga Țăriuc, President – Women4Cyber Romania
  • Orsolya Bakó – Women4Cyber Romania

Special thanks to Mihaela Patentasu, Cristian Barhalescu, and the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) for facilitating this high-impact workshop focused on digital protection in tourism.

🔍 Topics Covered:

  • ⚠️ Cyber risks facing travel agencies without dedicated security strategies;
  • ✅ Immediate cyber hygiene practices that businesses can implement;
  • 📖 Real cyberattack scenarios and actionable lessons for the industry.

💡 Prodefence’s Commitment

Through its involvement in CYSCOE, Prodefence actively supports cybersecurity outreach and capacity building in vulnerable sectors. With deep expertise in cyber threat intelligence, incident response, and forensics, Prodefence helps Romanian businesses fortify their digital defenses.

Only through strong partnerships and ongoing education can we protect Romania’s digital economy from cyber threats.

#Prodefence #CYSCOE #CyberSecurity #TourismFraud #DigitalResilience #CyberEducation #StealerMalware #ANAT #RomExpo #CyberAwareness #AlexandruAnghelus #Women4Cyber #TravelIndustrySecurity #PublicPrivatePartnership

Prodefence at Bucharest Cybersecurity Conference 2024 – Shaping Europe’s Digital Future

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From October 29–31, Prodefence, represented by CEO Alexandru Anghelus, proudly participated in the Bucharest Cybersecurity Conference 2024, a landmark event bringing together leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss critical developments in cybersecurity across Europe.

As both CEO of Prodefence and President of CYSCOE – the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence, Alexandru Anghelus contributed to high-impact discussions alongside key figures such as Dan Cimpean, Director of the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC). His active role in the DNSC Cybersecurity Conference and the ENISA “Cybersecurity Resilience & Market” Forum marked a unique opportunity to address pivotal topics directly influencing the future of Europe’s cybersecurity landscape.

🔍 Key Themes Discussed:

  • Implementation of a Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) policy in Romania;
  • Enhancing cyber resilience in critical infrastructure sectors, including maritime and healthcare;
  • Addressing cyber risk management in maritime operations;
  • Understanding threats and vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector under the lens of evolving threat landscapes;
  • Aligning national strategies with NIS2, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and other key European cybersecurity frameworks.

🔗 Collaboration at the Core

The conference was not only a platform for dialogue but a catalyst for public-private partnerships and cross-sectoral coordination. Prodefence reaffirmed its role as a trusted cybersecurity partner, contributing expertise in threat intelligence, incident investigation, and resilience planning for critical industries.

The roundtable engagements emphasized the need for skill development, policy innovation, and strategic alignment to safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure in a time of increasing geopolitical and technological risk.

“At BCC 2024, we explored essential cybersecurity priorities with impact across industries. As Prodefence and CYSCOE, we remain fully committed to shaping a safer, more resilient digital Europe.”
— Alexandru Anghelus, CEO of Prodefence

🙌 Acknowledgements

Prodefence congratulates the DNSC team and all partners involved for organizing a high-impact event that exceeded expectations in scope and substance. Special thanks to Dan Cimpean, Sebastian Dan, Mirabela Săvulescu, Aurel Huștea, Fraga Tariuc, Gabriel Dinu, Mihaela Curcă, and the entire organizing team for their dedication and excellence.

Stay tuned as Prodefence continues to contribute to national and European cybersecurity strategy through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

#Prodefence #Cybersecurity #BCC2024 #ENISA #DNSC #ECCC #DigitalResilience #NIS2 #CyberResilienceAct #ThreatIntelligence #CYSCOE #PublicPrivatePartnerships #CyberLeadership

Strengthening Cyber Awareness: CYSCOE President Participates in Joint Press Conference with Iași Police

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Alexandru Anghelus, President of the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence (CYSCOE), participated in a press conference alongside Chief Police Inspector Florin Ionuț Zaborilă, head of the Cybercrime Investigation Unit at the Iași County Police Inspectorate. The event focused on addressing the growing wave of cyber threats impacting Romanian citizens.

📌 Topics Addressed by Alexandru Anghelus:

  • Online Fraud and Phishing: He emphasized how cybercriminals exploit seemingly legitimate messages to trick users into disclosing personal and financial data.
  • “Money Recovery” Fraud Schemes: Anghelus warned about an emerging tactic in which victims are falsely promised refunds, only to fall prey to new scams orchestrated by the same or affiliated threat actors.
  • Social Engineering: A major theme of the discussion was how attackers manipulate trust and digital illiteracy to breach systems and exploit individuals.
  • Cyber Protection and Awareness:
    • Promoting the use of two-factor authentication (2FA);
    • Encouraging individuals to pause and verify before taking risky online actions;
    • Stressing the importance of cyber education as a proactive defense.

📢 Public Recommendations Shared:

  • Stay informed by following updates and alerts from the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC).
  • Visit Prodefence (www.prodefence.ro) and Cyber AID for insights on how to detect cyber fraud and phishing attempts.
  • Reach out to DNSC (dnsc.ro) for advice and support in case of suspicious online activity or potential cyber threats.

🤝 Emphasizing Public-Private Collaboration

In his remarks, Alexandru Anghelus highlighted the essential role of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector in combating cybercrime. Only through joint action can we build a digital space that is secure, resilient, and trusted by all users.

CYSCOE commends all involved institutions for their dedication to defending the community against cyber threats and expresses gratitude to TVR Iași for their contribution in spreading public cybersecurity awareness.

▶️ Full interview and event footage: https://youtu.be/PO4k1iqoCmI

#CYSCOE #CyberSecurity #OnlineFraud #Phishing #CyberAwareness #DNSC #IPJ #PublicPrivatePartnership #DigitalSafety #AlexandruAnghelus #CyberLeadership #TVRIasi

The Criminal Relevance of Artifacts Identified in Cybercrime Investigations

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🌟 “The Criminal Relevance of Artifacts Identified in Cybercrime Investigations”🌟



We are excited to announce our participation in the 3rd edition of the International Conference “Forensic Science and its Implications in the Development of Human Society” (FOSIDHUS), which took place on May 25, 2024, at Casa Universitarilor in Iași. This edition’s theme was “The Challenges of Forensic Science in the Digital Age.”

At this prestigious event organized by the Faculty of Law of “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, we had the honor of presenting our paper titled “The Criminal Relevance of Artifacts Identified in Cybercrime Investigations.” Together with my colleague Florin Zaborilă, we discussed the importance of digital artifacts in the context of criminal investigations and their impact on judicial procedures.


We would like to extend our special thanks to the conference organizers, especially Mrs. Ancuța Elena Frantz, for her dedication and efforts in organizing this successful event. We also thank the National Institute of Forensic Expertise, represented by Mr. Gabriel Dumitru Păduraru, forensic expert, for the organizational support.

We appreciate all the participants and colleagues for their presence, involvement in valuable discussions, and exchange of ideas! We are glad to be part of this academic and professional community dedicated to advancing forensic science.

Presentations made by specialists from the private sector at conferences like the International Conference “Forensic Science and its Implications in the Development of Human Society” are pivotal in advancing knowledge and practice in forensic science. Here are key reasons why these presentations are invaluable:

  1. Bringing real-world expertise: Specialists from the private sector regularly engage with cutting-edge technologies and face diverse practical challenges in their daily work. Their presentations provide valuable real-world insights and experiences to the academic and professional community, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.
  2. Sharing advanced techniques and tools: The private sector is often at the forefront of technological innovation. Presentations by these specialists can introduce new techniques, tools, and methodologies that have been developed and tested in real-world scenarios, providing attendees with current knowledge and practical applications.
  3. Enhancing collaboration: Conferences provide a platform for fostering collaboration between the private sector and academic or governmental institutions. Such collaboration can lead to the development of comprehensive and effective strategies for tackling cybercrime and other forensic challenges.
  4. Influencing policy and best practices: Insights from the private sector can inform the development of policies and best practices within forensic science. Their experiences can highlight gaps in current approaches and suggest improvements, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of forensic investigations.
  5. Professional development and networking: Presentations by private sector specialists offer attendees opportunities for professional development. Participants can learn about the latest trends and developments in the field and engage in networking that may lead to future collaborations, job opportunities, or partnerships.
  6. Stimulating innovation and research: By presenting new findings and case studies, private sector experts can inspire further research and innovation within the academic community. Their contributions can help identify new areas of study and spur the development of novel solutions to forensic challenges.

Cybercrime Investigation Romania

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🔒💻 I had the honor of accepting the invitation to participate as a lecturer at the cybersecurity session dedicated to prosecutors and officers specialized in #investigating #cybercrime.
..with Florin Ionut Zaborila

📖 During my presentation, titled “Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Cybersecurity, Methods of Compromising Information Systems, Useful Information for Judicial Authorities in Investigating Cybercrime,” I addressed essential topics to strengthen the technical investigative capabilities of law #enforcement #agencies.

🔍 This session is part of the annual #training program organized by the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Iași Court of Appeal and the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police – Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
🙏 I am deeply honored to share my expertise in cybercrime and contribute to the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of colleagues involved in cybercrime investigations.
🤝 Special thanks to the organizing institutions for the invitation and their ongoing commitment to training and developing specialists in #cybersecurity.

The importance of public-private collaboration in Cybercrime Investigation

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential in investigating cybercrime due to the complexity and speed with which threats in the online environment evolve. This collaboration offers numerous advantages that can make a significant difference in effectively combating cybercrime:

  1. Access to advanced technology: The private sector, especially technology companies, often possesses advanced resources and technological tools that can be essential in investigating and preventing cybercrime. Through partnerships with these companies, law enforcement authorities can access these resources, enhancing their investigative capabilities.
  2. Information and intelligence sharing: Collaboration enables the rapid and efficient exchange of information and intelligence between public and private entities. This is crucial for identifying and responding promptly to new threats and tactics used by criminals.
  3. Expertise and training: Private companies can offer valuable expertise and training opportunities for personnel in the public sector. Training programs and workshops supported by industry experts help develop the technical skills of officers and prosecutors, contributing to a better understanding and management of cyber incidents.
  4. Additional resources: Investigating cybercrime often requires considerable resources. Through collaboration with the private sector, law enforcement authorities can benefit from additional resources, including financial, logistical, and human resources, to support complex investigations.
  5. Innovation and Adaptability: The private sector is often more agile and capable of rapidly innovating in response to new threats. Public-private partnerships allow authorities to adopt innovative solutions and adapt more quickly to the constantly changing cyber landscape.
  6. Improvement of policies and legislation: Through ongoing dialog between the public and private sectors, more effective and better-adapted policies and laws can be developed to meet the real needs and current challenges in the field of cybersecurity.

Public-private collaboration not only strengthens the investigative capabilities of authorities but also creates a united front against cybercrime, ensuring better protection for citizens and critical infrastructures.

Maritime Cybersecurity Course

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🌐🛡️ Thrilled to share insights from my participation in the Maritime Cybersecurity Course hosted by the MARITIME CYBERSECURITY MARITIME CYBERSECURITY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (MARCYSCOE) at Constanta Maritime University! This transformative two-day program was organized under the prestigious aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), focusing deeply on the critical area of maritime cybersecurity.


In the digital era, where maritime operations heavily rely on interconnected technologies, the importance of robust cybersecurity strategies cannot be overstated. The course provided us with comprehensive knowledge on EU maritime cybersecurity #policies, cutting-edge technological #tools, and advanced #strategies for identifying and managing #cyber #threats.


A significant highlight was the #collaboration and interaction with fellow participants from Romania and various other countries. This diverse gathering not only enriched our learning experience but also underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling global cybersecurity challenges. The mix of #public and #private sector participants fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices, paving the way for stronger cross-border and cross-sector partnerships.


Thanks to the expert-led classes, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies, we are better equipped to enhance our cyber #defense capabilities and safeguard our maritime infrastructures. A big shoutout to the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence for orchestrating such an impactful program.
As we continue to advance our cybersecurity #frameworks and collaborate across borders, we are collectively strengthening our defenses against evolving cyber threats, ensuring a #safer maritime future for everyone.

Trends in financial fraud

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The presentations/discussions on #cybersecurity and #cybercrime always manage to arouse the participants’ curiosity and desire to learn more about cases, investigations, victims, money and criminals.


The Master’s Week, organized by the Law Students Association Iasi, gave us the opportunity to present a small part of the work of investigators of #informatic crimes, underlining the importance of combining legal and technical aspects.

The cyber fraud analysis “Investor Fever” is recommended to all internet and technology users to understand the evolution of financial fraud!

Disseminating this information is essential to educate and sensitize the general public, especially those preparing for a career in the legal profession. A thorough understanding of cyber security issues and how cyber investigations are conducted is crucial for future legal professionals. They must be prepared to tackle the complex and ever-changing challenges in the cybercrime landscape.

The importance of collaboration between legal and technical aspects cannot be emphasized enough. In an increasingly digitized world, lawyers, judges and other legal professionals need to be able to interpret and apply the law in the context of cybercrime. What’s more, this increased knowledge contributes to a successful career, as cybersecurity skills are becoming increasingly sought after.

On this occasion I had the pleasure to participate in the presentation prepared by the team of the General Anticorruption Directorate (DGA), Iasi County Anticorruption Service and I can say that I found out extremely important #information.

Thank you to Mr. Inspector Florin Ionut Zaborila, Coordinator of the Computer Crime Investigation Department of IPJ Iași, for his permanent #collaboration and involvement in disseminating information / warnings about the dangers of the online environment!

We thank the organizers and the University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași for the invitation! This initiative has been an important step in educating and preparing future legal professionals, helping to shape an informed and competent generation in the face of modern cyber challenges.